The Office of Science and Technology Policy - Adaptation to a President's Operating Style May Conflict with Congressionally Mandated Assignments: Pad-80-79 (Paperback)

GAO studied the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to examine the extent to which OSTP studied the 13 issues on federal organization and management of science and technology policy, and to determine the extent of OSTP involvement in strategic planning for science and technology. Top OSTP officials believe that the broad legislative mandate for OSTP cannot be fully met under present conditions and operating styles within the Executive Office of the President (EOP). OSTP management and staff also believe that all their work must be tied to the existing policymaking process in EOP, because they have no independent control over any portion of the U.S. policymaking system. OSTP interprets its environment as requiring it to be continually active in initiating its work and then fostering implementation of its recommendations, many of which demonstrate a strategic perspective. OSTP is most active in its extensive collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget in the research and development budget process.